The number of hospital patients with pressure sores, also called decubitus ulcers or bed sores, rose from 480,000 cases in 2007 to 655,000 cases in 2010 a substantial increase says California Elder Abuse Lawyer Steven Peck of the Peck Law Group.
Pressure sores typically result from prolonged periods of uninterrupted pressure on the skin, soft tissue, muscle, and bone. Vulnerable patients include the elderly, stroke victims, patients with diabetes, those with dementia, and people who use wheelchairs or are bedridden any patient with impaired mobility or sensation.
Patients aged 65 and older accounted for 72% of all hospitalizations during which pressure sores were noted. About 19% of such stays were for patients 45 to 64 years of age.
On average, patients admitted to hospitals primarily for treatment of pressure sores stayed nearly 13 days. But length of stay varied by age patients aged 18 to 44 accounted for the longest average stay (14 days), and those aged 85 and older had the shortest stays (10 days).
Nearly 9 of every 10 hospital stays involving pressure ulcers were covered by government health programs 66% by Medicare and 23% by state Medicaid programs.
Hospital charges for stays principally for treatment of pressure ulcers averaged $37,800, but average charges varied by payer, for example, the average charge to Medicaid was $39,100 while the average bill to the uninsured was $25,600.
The 10 most common principal reasons for hospitalizations during which it was noted that patients also had pressure sores were septicemia; pneumonia; urinary tract infections; aspiration pneumonitis; congestive heart failure; rehabilitation care; fluid and electrolyte disorders; complication of device, implant, or graft; respiratory failure; and diabetes mellitus with complications.
Although elderly residents are awarded certain nursing home rights, some facilities, either unknowingly or intentionally, may violate these basic rights. If you suspect your loved one is being abused in a nursing home or otherwise deprived of their nursing home resident rights, such as bed sores, dehydration, malnutrition, infection, under staffing, physical abuse, you should immediately contact us toll free at 1.866.999.9085 or on-line at www.thepecklawgroup.com for a free thorough case review and evaluation. This case review is being offered at no cost and shall help determine whether you should take legal action on behalf of your elder / dependent adult loved one. We Will Help You!!
